Drive mode on Xiaomi: how to turn on and use your smartphone as a flash drive

Regime. USB-Xiaomi allows you to use the device as a regular flash drive to transfer files between your phone and your computer. Despite the apparent simplicity, many users have difficulty trying to activate this feature – especially after updates. MIUI In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to turn on the drive mode, including hidden settings and workarounds for different versions of the software.

Since 2022, Xiaomi has been gradually removing the classic MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode from the visible menu, replacing it with more limited connectivity options, due to Google’s security policy and internal changes to Android 12+. However, the functionality has remained — it has just been hidden deeper. We will show how to access it on models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra, including devices with an unlocked bootloader.

It is important to understand the difference between the connection modes:

• 📁 File manager (MTP) — Standard mode for file transfer (works like a flash drive)
• 🖥️ PTP — Photo transfer mode (rarely used)
• 🔌 USB-modem - distribution of the Internet from the phone
• 🔧 Mid-mode - hidden mode for debugging (available on all models)

If your Xiaomi isn’t defined as a drive, the problem may lie not only in your phone’s settings, but also in your computer drivers, Windows/macOS versions, or even the cable you’re using.

1. Standard method of activating the storage mode

On most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14, the drive mode is turned on through the developer menu.

1. Connect your phone to your computer using the original USB-TypeC cable (or MicroUSB for older models).
2. Unlock the smartphone screen – on some firmware, the connection works only when the screen is unlocked.
3. Swipe down the notification bar and find the option USB-Connection (can be called Charging through the USB).
4. Tap on the notification and select File Transfer (MTP).

If you don't have File Transfer on the list, you've got the default mode for developers activated on your device to reset it:

Turn off the phone from the PC

Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times to activate the developer mode)

Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers

Find the default USB configuration and select File Transfer

Reconnect the phone.

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Important: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) post-choice MTP You may need additional confirmation on the lock screen. If the phone is not responding to the connection, try using another one. USB-port on the computer (preferably) USB 3.0 blue).

2. Hidden activation methods (if the standard does not work)

If the developer menu does not have the option of USB Configuration, or the phone is stubbornly not defined as a drive, try these methods:

Method 1: Through ADB-team

This method works for 90% of Xiaomi devices with Android 10+, But it requires a setup. USB-debugging:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to MIUI version).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
4. Open the command line (Win+R → cmd) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should appear)

adb shell settings put global usb_configuration mtp,adb

Once you have completed the command, turn off and reconnect the phone. MTP mode should be activated automatically.

Method 2: Through the Engineering Menu

On some models (Redmi 9, POCO X3), the drive mode can be enabled via a hidden engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. Go to the phone information section.
4. Scroll down to the block. USB-configuration.
5. Choose MTP + ADB.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the engineering menu can cause the phone to run unstable. Do not change other settings unless you are sure of their purpose (MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 13) this menu is blocked.

3. Solving problems with connecting to the PC

If the phone is identified as an unidentified device or does not respond at all to the connection, check the following points:

Windows 11 may need to disable Quick Start in Power Settings, as it sometimes blocks the correct definition. USB-On macOS Ventura and later, it is recommended to use Android File Transfer version 1.7.0 or higher.

4. Features for different Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi devices have unique nuances when connected in drive mode. Here are the key differences:

Smartphones on Qualcomm Snapdragon (most models)

On Snapdragon chipsets (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F4 GT), MTP mode is usually stable, except for custom firmware (Pixel Experience, LineageOS), where you may need to manually edit the build.prop file:

ro.sys.usb.config=mtp,adb

Smartphones on MediaTek (Redmi 10C, POCO M4 Pro)

MediaTek often has problems with VCOM drivers.

• 🔧 Install MediaTek drivers USB VCOM manually
• 🔄 Restart your phone before connecting
• 📥 Use the port. USB 2.0 (black) instead of USB 3.0

Devices with MIUI for Pad (Xiaomi Pad 5/6)

On Xiaomi tablets, the default drive mode is disabled due to security policy.

1. Connect the tablet to the PC.
2. In the notification panel, tap Charging via USB.
3. Select File Transfer and confirm the permission on the lock screen.
4. If the option is inactive, turn on Developer Mode and set USB Configuration = MTP.

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On Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro tablets, for stable drive mode, disable Charging Optimization in battery settings. This prevents automatic shutdown USB-connection.

5. Alternative methods of file transfer

If you can’t turn on the drive mode, consider alternative methods:

1. Wi-Fi transmission (Mi Drop, Snapdrop)

Apps like Mi Drop (pre-installed on MIUI) or Snapdrop allow you to transfer files wirelessly, and the speed depends on the Wi-Fi network, but for documents and photos, it is enough.

2.Use of OTG-storage

If you need to copy files to a flash drive:

• 📌 Connect. OTG-phone adapter
• 💾 Put the flash drive in (FAT32/exFAT)
• 📂 Use any file manager (e.g. Files by Google)

3. Cloud services

For large files, it is convenient to use:

• 🌥️ Mi Cloud (5GB) free of charge)
• 📁 Google Drive (15 GB)
• 🔗 Telegram (up to 2 GB per file)

⚠️ Note: When transferring files through the cloud, consider size limits. For example, in Mi Cloud you can not download files larger than 10 GB, and in Google Drive - more than 750 GB per day. 4K It is better to use a physical connection.

6. Safety when using the storage mode

Connecting your smartphone to your computer in MTP mode opens up access to the file system, which can be risky.

• 🔒 Use only trusted computers
• 🛡️ Turn off Debugging by USB after-use
• 📵 Don’t connect your phone to public USB-Ports (airports, cafes)
• 🔄 Regularly check your phone for viruses after connecting to someone else’s PC

MIUI 14 has introduced USB Protection, which blocks access to files when you connect to unknown devices, to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Special permissions.
2. Find USB Protection and turn off the option.

On devices with an unlocked bootloader, MTP may not work as smoothly due to the changed SELinux resolutions, in which case the USB-enabled custom core firmware will help.

7. Frequent errors and their correction

Let’s look at typical situations where the drive mode refuses to work:

Mistake: "USB-the device is not working properly"

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Faulty cable – try the original Xiaomi cable or certified USB-IF
• 🔋 Insufficient power – connect your phone to charge while transferring files
• 🖥️ Driver conflict – remove all Xiaomi devices in Device Manager and reconnect your phone

Mistake: "No access to folders"

If the computer sees the phone but can't open the files:

1. Check if the phone screen is unlocked.
2. In the phone settings, turn off Application Protection for Files.
3. On PC, disable the antivirus (sometimes it blocks access to MTP).

Error: "The phone only connects in charging mode"

This means MIUI reset the USB settings.

adb shell settings delete global usb_configuration

After completing the command, restart the phone and connect again.

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If none of these methods work, check the integrity. USB-The phone port. 12T And the newer port often fails because of thin contacts, and you can diagnose the problem by the signs that the phone charges only in a certain position of the cable or periodically shuts down.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions